While the Bison, who lost Saturday’s Class 3A state championship game to top-ranked Northwestern at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, lose three invaluable seniors that won more games than any class in program history, the returning talent now has a new bar.

“Getting (to the state championship) was a great experience for us all,” said junior Audrey Strawsma, who had 11 points and six rebounds in Saturday’s title loss. “I definitely know we have a lot more to get through, a lot more to accomplish.”

Strawsma finished the season as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder and Sensac emerged in the latter half of the year to become the team’s third leading scorer and a trusted ball handler despite her freshman status.

“She has definitely grown as a player,” senior Cassidy Minniear said of Senesac. “She can find those gaps and weave her way through any space she can find. She definitely stepped up and filled her position.”

The Bison also have a talented eighth grade class and had an undefeated season at the junior varsity level.

Hoosier Conference

After Hoosier Conference foes Northwestern and Benton Central played in the Class 3A state championship game, Bison coach David Baxter was asked about the strength of the league.

“It’s full of phenomenal players. It’s got great coaches. … “ said Baxter, before rattling off several teams and their successes to state his case. “It is the best small school conference in my opinion in the state.”

Seven of the conference’s 10 teams finished this season with a record of 12-8 or better.

Four won at least 20 games.

Northwestern repeated as Class 3A state champion, Benton Central was the Class 3A runner-up, Tipton was a regional runner-up to 2A state champion Oak Hill and Central Catholic lost to Oak Hill in the regional semifinal.

In the last nine seasons, eight current members of the Hoosier Conference have advanced to the state championship with five winning the title in their respective class. Five different schools made up those eight finals appearances in that span.

Atha honored

After Saturday night’s Class 3A state championship game, as the teams lined up to receive their medals, former Benton Central principal and athletic director Dick Atha was brought onto the court and awarded a runner-up medal.

Sam King covers high school sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter/Instagram@samueltking.